Nepal: Barrier lake formed near confluence of Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers poses threat of breach

By  News On Air   Aug 27, 2026

A barrier lake formed near the confluence of the Chhochen Khola and Purepu Tsangpo rivers in Nepal could face a high risk of breaching over the next three days. According to the China’s Ministry of Water Resources, the lake held an estimated two million cubic metres of water as of today morning and was already overflowing. The ministry also warned that another three million cubic metres of water could enter the lake over the next three days, posing a high risk of a breach. 

China national daily reported that authorities are closely monitoring the situation while conducting flood simulations and risk assessments to prepare for a possible breach and facilitate emergency rescue operations. This comes as hundreds died and thousands remain missing after catastrophic flash floods in the China-Nepal border region.